5 similarities between Buddhism and Spiritism
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Buddhism and Spiritism are different religions and doctrines in essence, but with rules and teachings with much in common. Having as reference the main bases of the Spiritist Doctrine and the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, we can understand what similar points both philosophies have. So, discover the main similarities between Buddhism and Spiritism.
The similarities between Buddhism and Spiritism
Reincarnation and Enhancement
Perhaps the main similarity between Buddhism and Spiritism is the belief in the reincarnation cycle. In the Spiritist Doctrine, reincarnation is seen as a process of improvement and learning, and according to the Law of Progress, we will reincarnate as many times as necessary to achieve improvement on planet Earth.
Buddhism sees this issue a little differently, but still similarly: we can be reborn as inferior beings, superior or similar to us, being that as humans we have the possibility of reaching Nirvana, which would be the maximum point of improvement in this plan. That way, the cycle would end.
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Suffering
About the similarities between Buddhism and Spiritism, it’s necessary to explain, in summary, the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism:
- The existence of suffering: all beings are subject to suffering, from birth to death;
- From the origin of suffering: we suffer because we cling to what is material and transitory;
- Cessation of suffering: suffering can be extinguished with the end of selfishness and attachment to the material;
- The extinction of suffering: the rules that will make the individual wiser and more evolved.
In the same way that Buddhism credits suffering to attachment to material and transitory goods, Spiritism credits suffering to the ignorance of men in understanding that they are evolving beings. Spiritual progress, with the end of selfishness and the perception that material goods are useless before the reality of the spirit, are the cure for suffering.
Similarities Between Buddhism and Spiritism – Selfishness
Still based on the Four Noble Truths, both Buddhism and Spiritism believe that selfishness is one of the causes of earthly suffering, and that man will only be completely free of it and evolved spiritually when they get rid of the “I”.
Charity is one of the ways pointed out by the Spiritist Doctrine, while Buddhism speaks of practical rules, among them being true and fair in speaking; live properly, without harming anyone and doing good whenever possible; and always try to improve yourself and seek the truth.
Experience of the teachings
Thus, each religion has its teachings, Buddhism and Spiritism emphasizes the importance of experiencing each of these rules and laws, since knowledge without practice is useless. Since both talk about ignorance as a reason for man’s suffering, it’s certain that spiritual progress will only come from practicing on a daily basis the lessons learned from the Four Noble Truths and spiritist teachings.
Similarities Between Buddhism and Spiritism – Consequences
Man has free will to decide their own actions, whether positive or negative, and must bear the consequences of their choices. Everything that occurs to them is due to the law of cause and effect, and the individual has responsibility under their destiny.
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